VISITORS to Port Sunlight River Park can now hear more about its history after a heritage trail was launched.
Focusing on the area around the beauty spot and docks, the trail makes use of recorded memories of residents and workers in the area, recalling Bromborough Dock, the old landfill site and its transformation into the beautiful River Park which stands on the land today.
The picturesque 70-acre site, situated on the Wirral banks of the River Mersey, is open to the public and managed by local charity Autism Together on behalf of The Land Trust.
Visitors to Port Sunlight River Park on heritage trail launch day
The trail is a self-guided walk around the park where you can listen to voice recordings via the Geotourist app, sharing insights and information from different viewpoints around the park.
The viewpoints can be easily located using a printed map which can be picked up at the River Park or downloaded via the Oral History link on the Friends of Port Sunlight River Park's website: www.friendsofpsrp.org.
Carolyn from Friends of Port Sunlight River Park said: "We're so pleased this important new history trail is now open to the public.
"It's easy to experience for anybody with a mobile phone.
"Simply download the Geotourist app and, whenever you see a marker point around the River Park, scan it with your phone to hear an account of that location's history."
The oral history project was funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant with the aim of preserving people's memories of the area, while also producing an educational resource for schools, and developing a community arts recycling project.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers in the community were able to produce rag-boas from recycled materials in order to reflect the changing seasons and colours in the park.
Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, was on hand to officially open the history trail (pictured below), joining the public to experience this new attraction, and said: "I love the Park, it's a place of tranquility, but also drama.
"This new trail captures important memories of the area, and will enhance people's experience of the park"
The project was delivered entirely by members of the River Park Friends Group, who have volunteered their time for the benefit of the River Park's visitors and the local community.
The Friends of Port Sunlight River Park is a group of volunteers who support the development of the Park through fundraising, raising awareness of the Park in the local community and undertaking practical tasks.
If you are interested in joining the River Park Friends Group, you can attend its annual meeting on October 28 (which starts at 7pm) at New Ferry Village Hall or message the Friends of Port Sunlight River Park on Facebook
Visitors can access the River Park’s main entrance via Dock Road North in Bromborough.
To find out more about Port Sunlight River Park, visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/psriverpark.
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